How to Dispose of Computer Equipment Properly
When you purchase a new computer, you also need to determine what to do with your old one. Computers and monitors contain a number of potentially hazardous materials, so it is important to dispose of those items properly. There are a number of ways to dispose of these old pieces of computer equipment properly without any negative impact on the enviroinment.
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Instructions
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Check with the manufacturer of the computer you are purchasing as well as the manufacturer of the computer you need to dispose of. Many computer manufacturers, including Dell, Apple and HP, have some sort of recycling program in place, and they may even be willing to give you some money off your next purchase if you turn in your old equipment.
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Check with the municipality where you live about recycling programs that may exist for electronics equipment and computer items. Many counties throughout the country have established permanent recycling centers where residents can turn in their old equipment. Still others have special pickup days where residents can put their old electronics out at the curb for recycling.
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Read through the classified section of your local newspaper, particularly the section dedicated to computer equipment. Many computer recyclers advertise in the local newspaper, so you may be able to find someone who wants to take your old computer.
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Contact your local thrift stores to ask about donating your working equipment. Many thrift stores, including those operated by Goodwill Industries, will take old computer equipment to sell in their stores.
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Make sure you remove all of your old data from your hard drive before you donate your old computer, and even before you throw it away. If your computer is in working order, you can use a disk-wiping utility or the restore CD that came with your computer to remove that user data. If your hard drive is inoperable, you can destroy it by hitting it with a hammer. Make sure you destroy the connection on the back of the hard drive to prevent it from being used.
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